Middlers split with Kingman

Even playing without two starters, the Liberty Middle School 8th grade boys were able to continue their undefeated season Monday by defeating Kingman 45-22.

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PrattTribune - Pratt, KS

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Posted Nov. 20, 2012 at 1:14 PM
Updated Nov 20, 2012 at 1:17 PM

Posted Nov. 20, 2012 at 1:14 PM
Updated Nov 20, 2012 at 1:17 PM

Kingman

Even playing without two starters, the Liberty Middle School 8th grade boys were able to continue their undefeated season Monday by defeating Kingman 45-22. LMS outscored Kingman 12-2 in the first quarter and 17-3 in the 3rd to account for the margin of victory.

Employing a 1-3-1 zone, the Junior Greenbacks were able to completely shut down Kingman’s offense at times. Bryce Stegman was a force on the glass, corralling every weakside rebound. The Pratt Middlers were able to either steal the ball or give up only one shot on virtually every Junior Eagle possession.

Devon Stephens started in the post for Traik Peltier and Hunter Kaufman took over the point for Noah Myers. “Devon played well inside, scoring 6 points, and Hunter got us into our offense really well,” according to Liberty head coach Andy Kisner.

“It was a good win for us with some key people out of the line-up,” Kisner continued. LMS has a rematch Tuesday with Medicine Lodge, a team they totally destroyed a week ago. “We are looking to get a win at Medicine Lodge and go into Thanksgiving break with a 5-0 record,” said Kisner.

The 7th graders continue to improve, as has been evidenced in their last two games. Against Kingman, the 7th graders took the lead midway through the first half and held it until the last few minutes of the game, finally falling 26-25.

LMS was able to break Kingman’s fullcourt pressure, but not able to finish at the basket often enough to keep the lead. Trailing by 1, Pratt had the ball under their own basket with 17 seconds left, but were unable to execute the winning basket.

Coach Kisner said, “Landon Studer and Elijah Gatlin had big games and handled the ball well throughout the night.” The 7th grade also continues Tuesday against Medicine Lodge.